Proper Care of Contact Lens

While contact lenses are safely used by millions of people every day, they do carry a risk of eye infection. Factors contributing to infection can include:

• Use of extended-wear lenses;
• Reduced tear exchange under the lens;
• Environmental factors;
• Poor hygiene.

Proper Contact Lens Care

1. Before handling contact lenses, always wash hands with warm water and soap to decrease risk of infection.
2. Immediately remove lenses if eyes become red or irritated, or if vision changes, and seek medical care.
3. Always adhere to the directions of your eye care professional
4. Only use the contact lens care products and solutions recommended by your eye care professional or pharmacist.
5. Never use expired contact lens solution.
6. Avoid wearing oily cosmetics when wearing contact lenses.
7. Only use sterile saline solutions for rinsing. Do not use them for cleaning and disinfecting your lenses. Never reuse contact lens solutions.
8. Never use your saliva to re-wet your lenses.
9. Clean and disinfect your lenses according to manufacturers instructions.
10. Clean, rinse, and dry your lens case each time lenses are removed, because cases can be a source of bacterial growth.
11. Always keep contact lens care products in their original packaging to maintain sterility of the product.
12. Replace your contact lenses storage case every 3-6 months.
13. Replace lenses as needed and obtain routine eye exams.